Specialist: Museum & Archives Curator

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job SummaryThe primary purpose of the Curator: Museum & Archives, is to assume responsibility for the curatorial, administrative and operational activities of the Absa Museum and Absa Archives. This would include to manage and oversee museum collections and archival materials, ensuring their preservation, documentation, research and accessibility. Develop exhibitions and programs that enhance public understanding and engagement. Provide updated manuscripts and articles aligned with Absa’s history.

Job Description

KEY FOCUS AREAS

Curate and manage both the museum and archives collections.

Develop and implement acquisition, cataloging, and preservation strategies, while ensuring all artefacts are preserved in line with ICOM standards.

Plan and execute exhibitions and educational programs.

Conduct research to support interpretation and display of collections.

Ensure compliance with international professional standards and legal requirements.

Supervise staff and/or volunteers involved in collections management.

Management, tagging, tracking and reporting of all numismatic and heritage assets.

Ensure the Archives remains current with the ongoing sourcing and inclusion of materials therein.

Respond to historical-related queries.

Engage with visitors and respond to inquiries.

Management of suppliers within the ambit of responsibility.

Strategy Formulation and Execution

Implement business plans and operational strategies aligned to defined objectives.

Translate strategic goals into operational actions and delivery milestones.

Monitor execution progress and escalate risks or issues as required.

Customer Primacy

Use customer feedback and insights to improve service delivery.

Support initiatives that enhance Absa colleagues and external customer experience and satisfaction.

Collaborate with business units and internal teams to ensure consistent and responsive customer service.

Sustainable Growth

Contribute to growth initiatives through effective delivery and performance management.

Monitor financial and operational metrics to ensure sustainable outcomes.

Support investment to grow the Archives through analysis and reporting.

Client-Driven Innovation and Change

Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.

Support change initiatives for the Archives and Museum and ensure readiness and adoption.

Apply lessons learned to improve future delivery and outcomes.

Leading Talent

Develop capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive working culture.

Manage individual and/or team performance to support business goals.

Operational Effectiveness

Execute operational plans with clear KPIs and performance measures.

Optimise processes for efficiency, quality, and customer alignment.

Resolve operational issues and ensure continuity of service.

Digital Adoption

Promote the use of digital tools and platforms to enhance delivery.

Identify opportunities for automation and digitisation.

Support digital transformation initiatives within the team.

Good Governance, Risk and Compliance

Implement governance and compliance frameworks in daily operations.

Monitor and manage risks, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Support audit readiness and reporting.

Data Monetisation

Use data to inform decisions and improve performance.

Ensure data quality and relevance for reporting and insights.

Apply analytics to identify trends and opportunities.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Align delivery with stakeholder expectations and business priorities.

Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes clearly and consistently.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Qualification:

Master’s degree in Heritage Studies, Museology, Tourism, Curatorial Studies, Archival Studies, History and / or related fields.

Preference if able to read Afrikaans.

Field of Study:

Heritage and Archival Studies

Work Experience:

3 - 5 years’ experience, including a track record of 3 years in managing heritage specific projects.

Exposure or understanding of heritage from the African diaspora is preferred.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised

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